Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society (MSAS) is an amateur astronomical society in the East Midlands of England.[1] It was formed in 1969.[2][3] It is based at Sherwood Observatory, a 61 cm mirror telescope[2] which it owns and operates.[1] The observatory lies 4 km south west of the centre of Mansfield on one of the highest points in the county of Nottinghamshire.[1]
| Abbreviation | MSAS |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1969 |
| Type | Astronomical society |
| Legal status | Non-profit making registered charity |
| Purpose | Furthering interest in astronomy within the community |
| Headquarters | Sherwood Observatory, Coxmoor Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 5LF, England |
| Coordinates | 53°06′51″N 1°13′19″W / 53.114214°N 1.221977°W |
Region served | Mansfield and adjacent areas of Nottinghamshire |
Main organ | Committee |
| Affiliations | Member of The Federation of Astronomical Societies |
| Website | http://www.sherwood-observatory.org.uk |
The society is a member of The Federation of Astronomical Societies.[4]
Aims
editThe aims of the society are to:
- further the interests of Astronomy and related subjects within the local community[1]
- introduce the public to the subject of Astronomy[1]
- provide a forum for education in Astronomy and observational techniques through a collaboration with the University of Nottingham[1]
- provide members with the best observational equipment possible.[1]
Meetings
editThe society holds monthly members-only lecture meetings at the observatory, along with observing and training evenings for members.[5]
Outreach
editThe society runs a night school for those who wish to learn about astronomy and the universe. These are usually held at the observatory on Friday evenings.[6]
Funding
editMSAS is a registered charity. It is funded through member subscriptions, fund raising events, public open evenings held at the society's Observatory, charitable donations and grants.[1]
Patrons
editThe patrons of the society are:
- Professor Sir Francis Graham Smith, 13th Astronomer Royal (1982-1990).[7]
- Professor Michael R. Merrifield, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham.[7]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society web site - Society Archived 2009-03-17 at the Wayback Machine.
- ^ a b No place like dome, Brady Haran, BBC News, 2003-08-23.
- ^ Wise man of Notts, Sarah Julian, BBC Nottingham, 2007-12-18.
- ^ Member Societies, The Federation of Astronomical Societies.
- ^ "Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society web site - Membership". Archived from the original on 2009-03-18. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
- ^ Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society web site - Radio interview Archived 2010-11-29 at the Wayback Machine.
- ^ a b Society Patrons, Sherwood-observatory.org.uk.
